Rent The Musical Essay - 880 Words

Rent. To most people it is associated with an apartment, house, or another object. This word rarely conjures pleasant memories, but more often annoyance and stress. However, when someone mentions rent to me, my mind races to some of the most memorable experiences in my life. When I hear the word Rent, I immediately see an eclectic Broadway production, overflowing with talent, adventure, and magic. I picture scantly clad actresses, strutting across the stage. I envision stunning duets and thought-provoking lyrics. That single word transports me to a different time and place. In order to adequately depict my feelings, I must start at the beginning. In the fall of 1996, I embarked on my maiden NYC voyage. Armed with a camera,†¦show more content†¦As the 1996 Pulitzer and Tony Award Winner, I had long thought of it as my personal unicorn. Something I had heard and dreamt of, but would never experience myself. As we dressed for the show, my thoughts were flooded with images and ideas. We descended the hotel stairs, hailed a taxi, and arrived at the theatre; while I remained in a pleasant daze. My first impression of the Nederlander met and exceeded all my expectations. I had envisioned an old theater, forgotten by the Broadway elite. As we walked to the door, we were able to see the wall signed by the cast and photos of the premier. The theater itself had a rundown feel to it and left you with the distinct impression that the magic was within the walls and on stage. As we entered the doors, I soaked in every thing. Our seats were located in the center, orchestra section, which gave us a perfect view of all the action. As the lights dimmed and the music began, I realized that my dreams were becoming a reality. I knew each of the songs, the names of every cast member, and the sequence of events. The story, which was based off the Italian opera La Boheme, was fresh in my mind. I could picture each of the characters, Roger, Mark, Mimi, and all the others, long before they took the stage. It’s hard to explain my exact feelings as I watched this show. It was an experience that nothing has been able to top. I felt a connection with this show and itsShow MoreRelatedRent - Musical1779 Words   |  8 Pagesa scene in the new musical RENT that may be the quintessential romantic moment of the 90s. Roger, a struggling rock musician, and Mimi, a junkie whos a dancer at an S/M club, are having a lovers quarrel when their beepers go off and each takes out a bottle of pills. Its the signal for an AZT break, and suddenly they realize that theyre both HIV-positive. Clinch. Love duet. If you dont think this is romantic, consider that Jonathan Larsons sensational musical is inspired by PuccinisRead MoreThe Emergence of The Musical Rent Essay890 Words   |  4 PagesThe Emergence of The Musical Rent The 1996 hit musical RENT stars an amazing cast, each with his/her own powerful voice. This musical, Jonathan Larson’s first produced show, has become one of the biggest things ever on Broadway. The concept of the show is nothing immaculate. RENT is a musical updating La Boheme and setting it in NYC’s East Village on Christmas Eve. In the opera, the Parisians are afflicted with tuberculosis. This plague was modified to today’s equivalent of the AIDS virusRead MoreRent: A Unique and Revolutionary Musical Essay1351 Words   |  6 PagesThe musical Rent is a representation of the Bohemian lifestyle of being different and being able to explore and be unique. What makes this musical so unique is its revolutionary musical style and a plot like no other. The lyricist and composer of the musical Jonathan Larson did something no one would ever imagine and go outside of the box. Who would have thought of putting lesbians, gays, HIV and AIDS victims, and the life of a Bohemian into one rock and pop based musical? This struggle to surviveRead MoreThe Movie Rent ( 2005 ) Is Based On The Musical By The Same Title998 Words   |  4 PagesNon-heteroromanticism in Rent The film Rent (2005) is based on the musical by the same title, which is a story about people trying to make ends meet while being directly or indirectly affected by AIDS. The title is a little misleading, because the story mainly follows the relationships between characters and the effects AIDS make on their lives, while the subplot is them struggling to pay the rent. There is one main heteronormative relationship that is followed in the film, but the other two areRead MoreAnalysis Of The Character Maureen Johnson From The Musical Rent1782 Words   |  8 PagesIntroduction This paper focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of the character Maureen Johnson from the musical Rent. The story of Rent takes place in New York City in the 1990s and focuses on a group of young adults as they struggle for success while staying true to their beliefs and their relationships with one another (Columbus, 2005). Through her interaction with the other characters and beliefs about herself, Maureen’s psychopathology becomes evident. Character Biography Maureen Johnson isRead MoreGenre Analysis Essay1377 Words   |  6 PagesGenre Analysis The musical film has always held a special place for me. From my time as a drama student in high school, my eyes have been opened to the amazing world of the musical and especially the musical film. The musical film is a film genre in which the characters sing songs that are integrated into the overall story. Since musicals first began in theaters, musical films usually contain similar elements. These elements often simulate that there is a live audience watching. In a sense, theRead MoreAnalysis Of A Blooming Filmmaker 1666 Words   |  7 PagesIn the well-known musical Rent, that is set in the 1990s, the story follows a group of penurious and artistic New Yorkers and how they live their lives throughout a whole year. Mark, a blooming filmmaker, struggles to find his place in the world after his girlfriend dumps him; his roommate, Rodger, is a HIV-positive musician and is trying to find out how he will make an impact before he dies, so he brought out his old guitar. Both Mimi a nd Angel are trying to find love through the harsh reality ofRead MoreThe La Boheme Opera By Jonathan Larson947 Words   |  4 PagesMost viewers would often find themselves uncomfortable watching a film of characters diagnosed with AIDS. Rent [Musical Live on Broadway, 2008], by Jonathan Larson, is a musical about a group of young adults struggling to pay rent in the, impoverished, East Manhattan, NY. These events Jonathan Larson’s musical is similarly based on the La Bohà ©me opera composed by Giacomo Puccini. East Manhattan is impoverished with a plethora of homosexual, transvestite, and homeless residents. In the beginning ofRead MoreShow Boat Changes Its Wicked Stage1709 Words   |  7 Pagesnight of December 27, 1927 the musical Show Boat opens (Laufe 475). The show ends in silence; no applause or a standing ovation. There was not even a curtain call. (Sheed 120) Producer Florenz Ziegfeld thought that the show had failed. (Sheed 120) What he did not know that night w as that Show Boat was to go on to be one of the most influential shows in American musical theatre. Show Boat revolutionized American musical theatre by changing the setting of the average musical theatre work to America toRead MoreJonathan Larson s Life Of Poverty1632 Words   |  7 Pagesshort life in poverty. He was born in New York 1960 and died 1996. During his short 36 year life he is credited for a few plays and received many awards as either a playwright or a composer including Tick, Tick Boom and the opera La Boheme inspired, Rent. After graduating from White Plains High School he was awarded a four year scholarship to Adelphi University on long Island for acting. During his college days he explored his creativity through playwriting. He wrote and performed school cabarets